2021 NFL Mock Draft
NYC Sports writer Grady Johnson had 26/32 correct first round selections in the 2020 NFL Draft. This is his first mock for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Mock Draft
Round 1
1.0
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence QB - Clemson
While some may look to the OSU bloodline between Fields and new Jags HC Urban Meyer, there is no doubt in most analysts mind that Lawrence comes off the board first. He’s an elite passer and scrambler with all the physical tools to be a success in the NFL. The Jaguars will be kicking themselves for the next 20 years if they go away from Mr. Sunshine.
2. New York Jets
Penei Sewell OL - Oregon
This where the draft truly begins in my eyes. While many have this pick as either traded down to a team like the Bengals, a QB, or DeVonta Smith, I look at the Jets as is. If they continue with Sam Darnold, which is a larger possibility than most believe (due to the draft capital Watson will cost) the Jets need to see something from him. He’s shown he can throw to B list weapons like Jamison Crowder when he’s given time. Just like Joe Burrow and CIN he needs to sure up the offensive line and nothing gives Darnold more protection than Becton and Sewell on the edges.
3. Miami Dolphins
DeVonta Smith WR - Alabama
Again, this is a pick that I could see being traded away as the Dolphins are already a contender as is. However, as it currently stands, this team lacks weapons besides DeVante Parker and an emerging Mike Gesicki. Smith immediately becomes WR1 in the next year or two and gives more depth to a Miami team that threatened last year. Don’t be too quick to judge Tua because with two quality WR’s and TE he could be dangerous in due time.
4. Atlanta Falcons
Patrick Surtain II CB - Alabama
For me this seems to be one of the easier selections barring a major QB shakeup. The Falcons have made public that they will maintain their star QB and WR’s (Jones and Ridley). With that being said I believe they stay true to their word and take the top CB in this draft to sure up their defense. This will be the second of many Bama players off the board in this draft as they continue to mass-produce NFL talent.
5. Cincinnati Bengals
Kyle Pitts TE - Florida
While this isn’t the ideal pick for the Bengals, I believe there’s enough for it to come to fruition. The Bengals ideally want Penei Sewell as they are in the same predicament as the Jets. However, with Sewell being off the table the Bengals are in need of a generational talent for Joe Burrow. They already have a solid receiving core with Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins, and AJ Green and now they add a relentless pass catcher in Pitts who could be an absolute nightmare for defenses. While many don’t have Pitts off the board quite this early, the pick makes sense as the Bengals can address their offensive line with the 38th pick or their boat load of cap space.
6. Philadelphia Eagles
Ja’Marr Chase WR - LSU
Year in and year out we see the Eagles completely mishandle their draft picks whether it be drafting Jalen Hurts when you have a healthy (and now disgruntled) Carson Wentz, drafting JJ Arcega-Whiteside over DK Metcalf, or drafting Jalen Reagor over Justin Jefferson and Brandon Aiyuk. Will this be the year they finally get their WR pick right? Only time will tell but drafting an elite flashy talent like Ja’Marr Chase would definitely help them out.
7. Detroit Lions
Jaylen Waddle WR - Alabama
The Lions find themselves in the void of the NFL Draft each year. They’re not an elite contender with a low pick, but they’re also not quite abysmal enough for a top 3-5 pick and a complete rebuild that they so desperately need. With Matt Patricia out and Dan Campbell in, the new addition of Jared Goff, and many WR’s set to hit free agency, the Lions will take the next best WR on the board with the explosive Jaylen Waddle. While they also need to fill cornerback and linebacker, Goff needs weapons to target and Waddle could end up being the best receiver in this draft class.
8. Carolina Panthers
Zach Wilson QB - BYU
Wilson is seen as a consensus Top-10 pick and many even see him as a Top-5 pick. He has incredible arm talent, limits turnovers (3 Interceptions in 2020), and has the tools to succeed as a dual threat. If he falls to 8th overall, the Panthers will happily go into next season with Zach Wilson and McCaffrey as their two-headed monster that will give defenses all sorts of problems. The Panthers are in dire need of a quarterback and they have the weapons to help Wilson succeed.
9. Denver Broncos
Caleb Farley CB - Virginia Tech
The Broncos have many needs on the defensive side of the ball including Corner, Linebacker, and D-Line pass rushers. While Surtain is the best CB in this draft, I feel Farley is a close second. He has is a big and extremely talented corner that Denver needs in order to keep up with division QB-WR combos such as Mahomes-Hill and Herbert-Allen. Farley will offer them elite CB play for the next decade and they will be able to address other defensive needs in free agency.
10. Dallas Cowboys
Rashawn Slater OL - Northwestern
While the Cowboys had immense struggles on the defensive side of the ball this season, they have to do everything in their power to protect their franchise quarterback coming off an injury. With Andy Dalton at the helm and a poor O-Line we saw just how ineffective weapons like Ezekiel Elliot can be. Most of the elite level corners will be off the board at this point and Slater is one of the most fundamentally sound OL in this draft. Dallas should bolster their line, thus protecting Dak and helping Zeke eat like he did a few years ago.
11. New York Giants
Kwity Paye DL - Michigan
While the Giants had an exciting season, 6-10 is not an ideal record for any professional football team. While they need a true WR1 for Daniel Jones to throw the ball to, they have to first address their defense. With major 2020 producers such as Leonard Williams unlikely to resign in free agency, they’ll use the draft to fill their place. Paye may not be the most pro-ready edge rusher in the draft but he has the highest potential to be an elite pass rusher in a few years.
12. San Francisco 49ers
Trey Lance QB - North Dakota State
There are so many unknowns as to where quarterbacks will fall within this draft. There could be a run early or they could fall as I predict will happen. Trey Lance could certainly go higher but if he’s still on the board at 12th overall, it makes perfect sense to pair this young talented QB with Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers are clearly in the market for a franchise quarterback as Jimmy Garropolo hasn’t delivered in the way they had hoped whether it be his lack of downfield precision or constant injuries.
13. Los Angeles Chargers
Christian Darrisaw OL - Virginia Tech
Darrisaw has incredible upside and is exactly what the Chargers need in order to protect young QB Justin Herbert. He is extremely athletic for 315 lbs and is extremely powerful. The only flaw that people see with his game is that at times he can be “low-energy”, but this is not a major reason to move away from him. He is a perfect fit for L.A. and they should absolutely take him at 13th overall.
14. Minnesota Vikings
Micah Parsons LB - Penn State
Parsons is seen as the top Linebacker within this draft and some even see him as a top-5 overall prospect. He has all the talent in the world and could easily help out a depleted Vikings Defense. The biggest flaw of Parsons across many reports is his diva attitude and ego which makes him difficult to work with. However, the talent is too much to pass up and he will fit perfectly in Mike Zimmer’s scheme. All that they can hope is that he falls to 14th overall and they can keep his attitude in check.
15. New England Patriots
Justin Fields QB - Ohio State
If you know anything about Ohio St. quarterbacks in the NFL, you’ll know that what you see isn’t always what you get. Since 2010 Ohio State has seen two QB’s turned WR’s (Terelle Pryor, Braxton Miller) and three quarterbacks amount to very little (Cardale Jones, JT Barrett, & Dwayne Haskins). While history tells you to stay away from OSU at the QB position, I believe Justin Fields has all the tools and toughness to break that trend. He has extremely unique talents and is a dual-threat QB of the future for Belichick to revamp the Patriots with. I think Fields can certainly up his draft stock and go in the Top-10 but for now he’s on the outside looking in.
16. Arizona Cardinals
Azeez Ojulari OLB - Georgia
The redshirt Sophomore out of Georgia has all the power and skill to be an elite edge rusher who can also drop back into coverage. The Cardinals desperately need an impact defender that they can put up front in order to compete with division rivals such as Russell Wilson and Rams newly acquired Matthew Stafford. Based on film it seems that his game will translate incredibly well to the NFL level and it would be a good fit for Arizona.
17. Las Vegas Raiders
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah LB - Notre Dame
Again, we see a talented Linebacker within this draft class who has the ability to be an extremely exciting player. He has a ton of athleticism and falls into coverage flawlessly, but also has the size and speed to be an elite pass rusher. Overall, when you put all of his physical tools together and pair it with his instincts, he is the perfect mid-round draft pick for the Raiders Defense.
18. Miami Dolphins
Najee Harris RB - Alabama
This is what I see as the biggest surprise blockbuster pick of the draft. Last year the Dolphins worked hard in free agency to completely rework their defense. Now it’s time they start focusing on the offensive side of the ball and getting Tua the weapons he needs to be successful. If you’re able to get both DeVonta Smith at 3rd overall and Najee Harris at 18th overall you’re forming an Alabama 2.0 Pro Offense. Tua, Harris, Smith, Parker, and Gesicki has all the makings of an elite offense and Najee Harris has plenty to offer as a runner and a receiver.
19. Washington Football Team
Mac Jones QB - Alabama
Washington is in desperate need for a quarterback of the future. After high draft pick Dwyane Haskins failed to produce on the field and off the field, and Alex Smith being a walking liability health wise they need a long-term answer which they must look to the draft for. Mac Jones was able to have a great year under Saban and alongside other top draft picks and can have that same success in the NFL under the proper staff. He has a very accurate arm and under Ron Rivera can be the answer for Washington going forward.
20. Chicago Bears
Alijah Vera-Tucker OL - USC
The Bears are involved in potential trade talks for Carson Wentz but no matter who their QB is next year they’ll need to bolster the offensive line to protect them. Vera-Tucker is perfect for Coach Nagy as he can play the guard or tackle position. He is very young and talented and will slide in just before other OL such as Alex Leatherwood.
21. Indianapolis Colts
Alex Leatherwood OL - Alabama
While the Colts have yet to find their true quarterback of the future after the retirement of Andrew Luck and now Phillip Rivers, what they truly need to do first is get a LT to replace the retiring Anthony Castonzo. Leatherwood is extremely skilled and played at a very competitive SEC school. He earned a lot of reps with Alabama and has one of the highest floors of the OL Prospects.
22. Tennessee Titans
Gregory Rousseau Edge - Miami (FL)
To be blunt, the Titans defense (particularly their pass rush) was nothing to write home about. They need to find pass rushers with big play ability if they want to compete with the Chiefs and Bills in the AFC. Rousseau isn’t the most pro-ready edge but has got freaky size and speed. Now all he needs is the coaching to make him elite on the defensive line.
23. New York Jets (from SEA)
Rashod Bateman WR - Minnesota
If the Jets decide to stick with Sam Darnold (which I believe they will), they have to use this pick to get a playmaker for him to throw to after solidifying the O-Line with Sewell 2nd overall. Bateman is known for his deceptive routes and athleticism. This would give the Jets another young receiver alongside Mims, a revamped Offensive Line, and potentially their QB of the future.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Zaven Collins LB - Tulsa
Realistically speaking, the Steelers need a new RB. James Conner was a great story when Lev Bell moved on, but it seems as though he has been figured out and injury prone. Backups Benny Snell and Jaylen Samuels make a decent committee, but the Steelers are in win now mode and need the final breaking edge pieces. However, the Steelers do not seem like the management office to draft a RB as early as this. For these reasons they fill a spot at LB and get Devin Bush a partner-in-crime. He’s got great size and coverage ability which will make an enticing pick for Steeler Nation.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR)
Christian Barmore DT - Alabama
Yes, another Alabama player will come off the board in the first round, proving just how dominant this year’s championship team was. While the Jaguars also need to address the OL to protect Trevor Lawrence, they desperately need a DT as they were bottom of the league against the run. Barmore is big and physical and will not only be a productive NFL run stopper but will be a pain for QB’s with his pass-rush.
26. Cleveland Browns
Jaelan Phillips DL - Miami (FL)
This pick would allow the Browns to start Phillips and Myles Garrett on opposite ends of the ball which would wreak havoc for offensive lines across the league. Phillips is a fantastic athlete with speed off the edge. This move boosts the Browns defense and keeps them in contention for a long time, as long as they also address the secondary.
27. Baltimore Ravens
Kadarius Toney WR - Florida
Kadarius Toney impressed Ravens scouts at the Senior Bowl according to reports this past week. The Ravens best receiver this year was Mark Andrews the TE. They desperately need a WR who will produce as much as they had hoped Marquise Brown would. Toney has all the skills to be a great receiver in the NFL and will provide the Ravens with more weapons.
28. New Orleans Saints
Trevon Moehrig S - TCU
The Saints won’t be in a complete rebuild but with Brees likely to retire and other key pieces in the secondary like Marcus Williams who is a free agent they will need to make their picks count. Moehrig is a young safety that would be a major piece for the future of the Saints defense.
29. Green Bay Packers
Teven Jenkins OL - Oklahoma State
This tackle class may go down as one of the most quality classes in history. Jenkins is a borderline first round pick, but he has quick feet and solid hand fighting skills. He is a Redshirt Senior, so he is a little bit older, more mature, and has more snaps under his belt than the typical draft prospect. All of these pieced together lead to the 2020 MVP Aaron Rodgers getting more protection.
30. Buffalo Bills
Carlos Basham Jr. Edge - Wake Forest
If Josh Allen and the Bills want to compete with the potential Chiefs dynasty over the next 5-10 years, they have to continue to address the defense and get pressure on elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes. Offense wins games, but defense wins championships (unless you’re the Chiefs and have 4-5 elite offensive weapons). Basham Jr is quick and athletic with his pass rushing skills. He is extremely physical with his hands and could be a major piece for Buffalo moving forward.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Pat Freiermuth TE - Penn State
Now this pick has all the potential in the world to be a safe pick or another chess piece for Andy Reid to play with. The easy pick is to grab the next top offensive lineman which could either be Eichenburg of Notre Dame, Cosmi of Texas, etc. but Freiermuth is somebody the Chiefs are extremely fond of who may not be there come their pick in the 2nd round. Going into the year, Kyle Pitts was not the number one TE according to most analysts, but as it now stands Freirmuth looks more like a 2nd round pick with first round potential. I believe the Chiefs use this pick as their Clyde Edwards-Helaire (CEH) pick from last year and Andy Reid continues to adapt this offense and abuse defenses. Come next year the Chiefs offense could roll out Mahomes, CEH, Hill, Kelce, Freirmuth, and Mecole Hardman which may be one of the most dangerous offenses the game has ever seen.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Joseph Ossai Edge - Texas
The Bucs have shown up to play on the defensive line this year but Shaquil Barrett is set to be a free agent this offseason and will require a hefty paycheck. What they could do instead of resigning him is draft a very underrated edge rusher in Ossai who brings a lot of skill and speed. He captained the Texas defense this year and would be the perfect plug-in replacement.
